Six Ways To Bust Stress

Are you stressed out? The daily stresses of life get to everybody — the busy mom, the college student, the overworked employee, and beyond. Stress makes life more difficult. It can make you tired, cranky, anxious, or depressed.
Additionally, the physical feelings of tight muscles, tension headaches, and more can take their toll on your body over time. Enjoy today’s six tips on how to break through a stressful time in your life!


1. Exercise

Exercise will trigger your body to release endorphins that can lift your mood. This can be as simple as a walk around the block or a few jumping jacks, and it can be as committed as a well-planned exercise program. Movement, however it happens, is your friend here – and a sure way to bust stress!

2. Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine. Studies suggest laughter decreases stress hormones, and is even good for your immune system. Put in a funny movie at the end of a long day, or listen to your favorite comedian. If you find yourself driving in stressful traffic is to put in your favorite comedian’s CD during the commute — see just how stressed out you feel after laughing at some great jokes!

3. Get Out

Get outside! Fresh air and sunlight can lift your mood and clear you mind in just a few minutes. People take cigarette breaks all the time – make the healthy decision, and give yourself a fresh air break. Here’s a little hint, too – take five big deep belly breaths while you are outside. Fill up your lungs all the way; hold it for 2 seconds and then exhale. Repeat 5 times and you are set!


4. Care To Dance?
Turn up the music to your favorite songs and go wild — probably best done at home, though, if you are self-conscious of your dancing skills. Sing out loud, dance around, and lost yourself in having fun. Try to act as carefree as a child; you will have lots of fun and the stress will melt away (not to mention the fat, if you’re dancing vigorously enough!).

5. Get Quiet

This is undoubtedly the most effective stress-buster. Learn to meditate. It can be a simple process. Sit in a comfortable position in a quiet room with your back straight; close your eyes and let your body relax. Now inhale; let the air fill your belly, but don’t strain to inhale too much air.
As your lungs are completely filled, begin to slowly exhale. Let your inhalations and exhalations be continuous; don’t hold your breath at any point. Count your breaths, and when you’ve reached ten, you are done!

6. Turn It Off!

Turn off the news. Stop watching news networks and current events shows when you are feeling stressed out; the news tends to really stress out viewers, because it focuses on catastrophes and problems in the world. Instead of focusing on these problems, allow yourself to focus on what is good in your life — and switch off the television.
 
About The Author: Bobby DeMuro is the Founder of FusionSouth, a personal training/sports conditioning firm in Charlotte, NC. He is also the Executive Director of NoFizz Charlotte, a non-profit dedicated to bringing awareness on the importance of proper hydration. He resides on Lake Norman with his 2-year old boxer, Dakota.